A Message On Power Outages From Hurricane Irene

August 31, 2011

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you to share information related to power outages in our area caused by Hurricane Irene.  My Senate office has received hundreds of calls from citizens across Baltimore County who still are without power in their homes, businesses, and schools.  Although I understand that the workers of BG&E are doing their best under the circumstances, I am frustrated by what appears to be a lack of planning for the hurricane.  I am frustrated by the delayed responses in our area and the effect they have had on our area.  In my own family, my two daughters continue to be at home instead of enjoying their first days of school.

I want you to know that my office is using all available resources to push BG&E to restore power to our community as soon as possible.  Right now, BG&E has informed my Chief of Staff that crews from Alabama and Kentucky have been deployed to assist with downed wires.  My office will continue to call BG&E until all power is restored to our area.  Clearly, when this episode is over, further inquiry will be necessary to determine what preparations were done for this hurricane, and what changes should be made for a better response from BG&E. 

If you wish to call BG&E directly, the number is 877-778-2222.  If you want to report downed trees, the number for Baltimore County Department of Public Works is 410-887-2523.  As always, my office is here to assist you.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Senate office at 410-841-3131 or email bobby.zirkin@senate.state.md.us.

Sincerely,

Bobby Zirkin, Senator